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Jamie Collins

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Forest Green v Gateshead

Recent signing Jamie Collins could finally make his Forest Green Rovers debut against Gateshead at The New Lawn on Saturday.

Three successive postponements have delayed the January arrival's Rovers career.

But with the weather predicted to play ball, club boss Dave Hockaday expects the ex-Aldershot midfielder to impress at the weekend.

"Jamie took about five minutes to settle in, as you would expect of someone of his experience who has been a regular in League Two this season," Hockaday told This Gloucestershire.

"He's a big presence, a damned good player and obviously desperate to get his Forest Green career off and running. I'm certain the fans will take to him."

In other Rovers team news, goalkeeper Sam Russell has recovered from a thigh strain, while midfielders Kieron Forbes, James Rowe and Curtis McDonald are close to ending their exile on the sidelines.

Long-term absentees Chris Todd, Al Bangura and Reece Styche are also making progress and are expected back in the coming weeks.

Hockaday's side - whose last outing was against Fleetwood Town on 28 January - enter the clash in 13th place on the Blue Square Bet Premier Table with 42 points - nine less than eighth-placed Gateshead.

Meanwhile, visiting boss Ian Bogie is sweating on the fitness of Jon Shaw, as the prolific hitman hobbled out an FA Trophy victory over Alfreton Town on Tuesday. Shaw had just plundered his 30th goal of the campaign before aggravating an existing groin problem.

Shaw joined Liam Hatch (calf) and Nathan Fisher (groin) on the injury list, and was facing a scan before the weekend.

Bogie will, however, again have the services of Alan O'Brien, who was cup-tied in midweek, as well as James Marwood, with the midfielder back from suspension.